The Montreal Canadiens entered the 2024 NHL Draft with two first-round selections, and both Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s next chapter. As high draft picks for one of the league’s most storied franchises, both players are already facing significant expectations.
In a recent interview with Responsible Gambler, Hage discussed the pressure that comes with being one of the Canadiens’ top prospects, as well as his personal goals. Currently in his first season with the University of Michigan, the 18-year-old center has begun shaping his game after an established NHL star—Jack Eichel.
“[Eichel] is a great example,” Hage said in the interview. “He’s a guy I’ve tried to model my game after. He’s creative and has great range.”
Like Eichel, Hage is a center who spent time in the NCAA before making the leap to the professional ranks. While Eichel is already an NHL star—having been selected second overall in the 2015 Draft—Hage sees value in learning from the Buffalo Sabres captain’s style of play.
“He’s someone you try to take things from as you work on your own game,” Hage explained. “I like the way he plays with the puck and pushes the pace.”
In his first nine games at Michigan, Hage has proven himself as a dynamic offensive force, posting a point-per-game average with five goals and four assists for nine points. While the production is promising, Hage knows that translating his skills to the NHL will require more than just scoring.
“I believe I’ll be the type of offensive center that can play in a top-six role in the NHL,” Hage said. “But I know it’s going to be a process, and I won’t get there just on skills alone.”
Though Hage’s NHL debut is still some time away, he is eager for the opportunity to contribute to the Canadiens’ growing roster of young talent. With several promising prospects already in the pipeline, Hage hopes to add his name to the list of future stars in Montreal as the team continues its rebuild.